One of the most interesting features they announced in their last major release was the SlideRocket marketplace, a solution that lets you purchase content for your presentation from within the application. This past week they opened this up even more, with the addition of the SlideRocket Services Directory.

The Services Directory lets users connect with certified providers who can offer creative expertise in areas like design, copy writing, photography and more, all from right within the application. The collaboration functionality already built in to SlideRocket makes the process easy.

I’m a big fan of this trend to introduce and facilitate the connection between user and provider. It’s a win-win, offering customized presentation services to users and an additional outlet for web workers to offer our wares.

As it is a relatively new service, now might could be a great time for creative agencies and freelancers to align themselves with SlideRocket and establish yourself as an expert early on. The fact that it is a powerful platform and a joy to work with make it an even more compelling opportunity.

SlideRocket has also added two new content providers to the Marketplace. The addition of Andertoons and PresentationPro add to the offerings already available from Fotolia and Mimeo.

If you’re a service provider interested in a listing in the Services Directory, more information can be gained by emailing marketplace@sliderocket.com. Listings are free but premium placement advertising and opportunity are in the pipeline.

Are you using SlideRocket? Are your services a fit for its Services Directory?

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SlideRocket has always offered a a feature rich authoring tool with all of the bells and whistles you would expect, if not more. With today’s release they up the ante by adding powerful collaboration features and an integrated marketplace.

Collaboration:

Even in a small organization, preparing a slide deck is usually a collaborative process, or at the very least involves the sharing of frequently used assets. SlideRocket’s new collaboration functionality gives you all the tools you need to collect and share your content including library management, content synchronization, and version control.

The library lets you collect frequently used items and assign permissions across your group as to who has access to what items.

Powerful versioning functionality keeps track of changes and lets you revert back to prior copies at the slide and presentation level.

The SlideRocket Marketplace:

Also launched today is the integrated marketplace, a store within SlideRocket which allows you to browse and buy presentation related assets and services such as images, templates, printing and more. Initial partners include Fotolia, Mimeo and PresentationPro with many more planned.

One of the most intriguing features is the built in analytic tools. See who is viewing your decks, how long they spent on each slide as well as tracking clicks and forwards. Rather than sending your presentations out blind, you can now track their effectiveness.

SlideRocket runs in any browser across multiple operating systems, in addition to offering an offline player so you can present on the go without an internet connection.

SlideRocket is offering limited time discounts on their pricing plans from free limited functionality single user accounts up to fully featured Business plans from $20/user per month. Pre-paid annual subscriptions are eligible for further discounts.

Are you still using PowerPoint or Keynote? Could SlideRocket be an option for you?

Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
Subscriber content. Sign up for a free trial.

• Why iPad 2 Will Lead Consumers Into the Post-PC Era
• The Near-Term Evolution of Social Commerce
• Content Farms: The Players, The Benefits, The Risks